I have recently become involved in a great new project – the Symphony of a Million. I’ll copy the official release info below:

I am extremely excited and optimistic about our new project, the “Symphony of a Million.” The potential for commissioning new works by terrific composers, involving fantastic performers and ensembles to premier these works, and best of all, to involve all of us in the creative process for each of the works, is unique.

Our goal is simple. To sell 1 million notes. Each note will be used in new works that we will commission along our way toward 1 million total notes. So far participating composers include Anthony Lanman, Alex Shapiro, and me, Dave Schwartz. Musicians we will be working with include pianist David Phillips, and saxophonist Dr. Noah Getz. But the list is growing.

The “Symphony of a Million” is an interactive process:

* Buy a note for $1 here: http://www.musicacademyonline.com/shop/home.php?cat=111

* Each note becomes part of a piece of music composed by award winning composers. Throughout the process we will be commissioning composers to write new works of varying lengths using the notes that you purchase.

* A special “Symphony of a Million” concert, sponsored by Music Academy Online and featuring world-class ensembles, will premier all of the works created using the notes you buy. The concert will be held May 18, 2011, the 100th anniversary of the death of Gustav Mahler, the man who composed the “Symphony of a Thousand.”

* Buy as many notes as you wish. Dedicate the notes to someone special. Help to shape entire sections of new music with the notes you select! Your name (and theirs) will forever be part of the final scores.

Our goal is 1 MILLION NOTES.

As Gustav Mahler famously said, “A symphony must be like the world. It must contain everything.”

Be a part of this musical world. Help create something that will last for generations.

$1 is less than the price of a cup of coffee. It is less than the cost of a burger at McDonald’s. And yet, each note is worth vastly more than 100 pennies.

The “Symphony of a Million.”

Join the movement. Help us create new music with the purchase of a note. Help us spread the word and create something new and unique.

Don’t hesitate to contact me for more information and to get involved.

Warm wishes,
Dave Schwartz, Ph.D.